WHAT KIND OF SEED ARE YOU?
On this Christian walk you will face many trials, sufferings, disappointment, hardships and heartaches, but this doesn't mean that you should give up. This is the making of a disciple for Jesus Christ. Depending on how we are nourished will depend on how we will grow. If you take in God's word wholeheartedly you will produce a great harvest and be victorious to overcome every challenge you face. It will make you stronger, wiser and better. If you take God's word at a surface level then you will only get what you want but not grasping the whole concept. In this case you can do more damage than good to yourself. You will leave yourself open for attacks, you will become discourage easily and want to give up without knowing God's power in your life. Then you will have those who was planted in soil that wasn't properly positioned which lack the nourishment that it needed to survive. They were good for a while they were walking the walk for a couple of years, then they found themselves looking back and finding it hard to walk the walk and gave up. They didn't have enough root. Every seed that God plants He wants it to grow and flourish to it's full potential, but if the seed refuse to get it's nourishment from other sources, do it alone or give up how can it reap the full benefits of growing into a beautiful flower? This Christian walk will challenge you but do you have what it takes to stay connected to the VINE regardless of the time, pressure, storms, and cares of this world? If so then God can use you for His glory. YOU shall reap if you faint not and you shall overcome every obstacle that comes your way, if you just stay connected to the SOWER. Don't give up keep pressing there is a great reward in store for you!
OVERCOMING BARRIERS IN OUR LIVES THAT WE MIGHT OBTAIN THE PROMISES OF GOD.
Overcoming barriers can be difficult but with the help with God we can overcome them all. Philippians 3:13 tell us to forget those things which are behind us and to reach forward to what is in front of us. How can we move forth if we keep looking behind? Looking behind only causes us to keep old feelings, and thoughts to linger in our minds. This is a new year let us try to put away all or any childish behaviors away and behold mature things in Christ Jesus. (1 Corinthians 13:11) You are more than a overcomer!
Homework:
1. Read Luke 9:62, what is it saying to you? Can you give another scripture that talks about one putting their hand to the plow?
2. Everyone has a barrier that might be stopping them from moving forward into the things of God. What is your barrier?
Homework:
1. Read Luke 9:62, what is it saying to you? Can you give another scripture that talks about one putting their hand to the plow?
2. Everyone has a barrier that might be stopping them from moving forward into the things of God. What is your barrier?
08/07/13 -
staying
alive in critical times
staying
connected to who we believe in – God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit
operating
in our faith and
watching our motives
as women of god we are goiing to be tried, pull and
moved in & out of our faith, but its up to us to stay focus and on course.
Please turn to colossians 1:23 – if indeed you
continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the
hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under
heaven, of which I paul, became a minister.
Ephesians 4:14 – that we should no longer be children, tossed to and
fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in
the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.
we have read that it takes faith to continue on this
christian walk.
but
how do we remain sure in our faith and connected to christ when we are being
tried, pulled and moved through situations that occur in our lives?
Galatians 5:1, Ephesians 6:13-18
how do we
deal with rejection through faith?
John 15:18-19
how do we
deal with disappointments through
faith?
1 Corinthians 4:7-9
how do we
deal with temptation through faith?
1 Corinthians 10:12&13
how do we
deal with lonliness through faith?
Hebrews 13:5
This week we talked about "Staying focus on this Christian journey"
It's not easy walking on this Christian journey, but I am sure that if God is for you no one can be against you (1 John 4:4), but yourself. God never told us that this walk would be easy, but He did say in John 16:33 - "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
We are overcomer! We will continue to press forth despite how we feel or what our situation looks like. We know that our hope is built on Jesus Christ, so we lean on Him and cast our cares upon Him knowing that He will give us the strength to keep walking on this Christian journey. There is no stopping us now because we have come too far to turn back! We have to stick together and run this race together! One for all and all for one in Jesus Christ our Lord. Stay focus and keep on pressing!
Disappointments
There are many of us who have been disappointed in life. Many of us who wished we could have done things differently. Many of us who wished we could have made better choices. Many of us who wished we would have taken advice from others. Disappointments, disappointments, disappointments. When we aren't careful of how we deal with our disappointments it can cause heartache, pain and questions to flood our minds. Some questions that might arise are:
Why this?
Why that?
How could she?
Why did he?
I'm hurt! I'm confused!
No she didn't
Yes he did
It's not far
It should have been dealt this way
Who do she or he think they are?
I don't need this
I wont deal with this!
All of these questions might show signs of doubts, fears and disappointments, but they should cause us to look deep within ourselves. The challenge to see if we have done wrong before we blamed others. Jesus is well acquainted with disappointments. He experience these disappointments with his disciples and the world, yet Jesus knew that disappointments would come so instead of dealing with them negatively He turned to the ultimate strength. The One who had all the answers.He found that His Father as well as ours the All-Knowing, All-Wise, and Infallible God whose thoughts are not like our nor His ways like ours had the answers.
Disappointments will come but as "Women on Purpose" we strive to always look deep within ourselves and ask these questions.
1. Could I have addressed this situation differently?
2. Could I have been honest and talked openly with this person?
Being children of God we are expected live holy, blameless and acceptable in His sight. We are required to get it right! When disappointments come our way let us not react in negative ways by harboring hatred in our hearts or mixed feeling towards a person(s). Let us take our worries and concerns to God in prayer and allow God to fix the situation as well as our hearts. True children of God have been circumcised in the heart and look at our situations, resolve them through looking at how Jesus would handle them and done in love. Nothing in this life should cause us to stumble through harboring hurt, pain, offenses, hatred, or rage in our hearts. if we truly belong to God. If God has captivated your heart then we should be tender enough to accept disappointments, criticism, thinking before we react, learn from them, be healed by them and move into greater heights through God in them.
Romans 8:35 - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
I would like to leave you with some scriptures that will bless you and help you handle and not hinder your walk with Jesus Christ through disappointments.
James 4:1 - Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?
1 Peter 1:22&23 - Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.
1 Peter 3:8&9 - Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:12 - For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
Ephesians 4:17-24 - This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus; that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
In closing,
People will always disappoint us. We will be disappointed in ourselves from time to time? There will be times when we wished we could have done things differently. As "Women on Purpose" must always be mindful of the things see, do and live because we are always being watched.We embrace disappointments by learning from them, asking God to direct our steps and by letting them make us better and not bitter.
Be blessed!
Why this?
Why that?
How could she?
Why did he?
I'm hurt! I'm confused!
No she didn't
Yes he did
It's not far
It should have been dealt this way
Who do she or he think they are?
I don't need this
I wont deal with this!
All of these questions might show signs of doubts, fears and disappointments, but they should cause us to look deep within ourselves. The challenge to see if we have done wrong before we blamed others. Jesus is well acquainted with disappointments. He experience these disappointments with his disciples and the world, yet Jesus knew that disappointments would come so instead of dealing with them negatively He turned to the ultimate strength. The One who had all the answers.He found that His Father as well as ours the All-Knowing, All-Wise, and Infallible God whose thoughts are not like our nor His ways like ours had the answers.
Disappointments will come but as "Women on Purpose" we strive to always look deep within ourselves and ask these questions.
1. Could I have addressed this situation differently?
2. Could I have been honest and talked openly with this person?
Being children of God we are expected live holy, blameless and acceptable in His sight. We are required to get it right! When disappointments come our way let us not react in negative ways by harboring hatred in our hearts or mixed feeling towards a person(s). Let us take our worries and concerns to God in prayer and allow God to fix the situation as well as our hearts. True children of God have been circumcised in the heart and look at our situations, resolve them through looking at how Jesus would handle them and done in love. Nothing in this life should cause us to stumble through harboring hurt, pain, offenses, hatred, or rage in our hearts. if we truly belong to God. If God has captivated your heart then we should be tender enough to accept disappointments, criticism, thinking before we react, learn from them, be healed by them and move into greater heights through God in them.
Romans 8:35 - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
I would like to leave you with some scriptures that will bless you and help you handle and not hinder your walk with Jesus Christ through disappointments.
James 4:1 - Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?
1 Peter 1:22&23 - Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.
1 Peter 3:8&9 - Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:12 - For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
Ephesians 4:17-24 - This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus; that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
In closing,
People will always disappoint us. We will be disappointed in ourselves from time to time? There will be times when we wished we could have done things differently. As "Women on Purpose" must always be mindful of the things see, do and live because we are always being watched.We embrace disappointments by learning from them, asking God to direct our steps and by letting them make us better and not bitter.
Be blessed!
"PEACE THAT SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING"
Today I want to talk to you about “Peace that surpasses all understanding”. Can you turn with me in your bibles to Philippians 4:7 – and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
What are your thoughts about this scriptures?
These are all great answers, but how often do we allow the peace that is given by Jesus Christ to operate in our lives. Many times we get so overwhelmed through our day to day interaction with our families, jobs, spouse, bills, and even our prayer life that we don’t take the time to stop (to look at what is disrupting our peace) look (at the situation) and listen to the voice of Jesus Christ. The reason why we don’t stop, look and listen because when we are faced with right now situations we aren’t thinking about looking at the situation, or reasoning we are too busy trying to stop or fix it the best way we can. And often times we overlook hearing God's voice, but seek someone elses opinion and answers at that moment. We forget that God promised that "He would never leave us nor forsake us". So how do we allow peace to become a stable necessity in our lives when the cares of life tries to overcome us?
What does the bible say we should do?
Proverbs 3:5&6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Psalm 16:11 - You will show me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
1 Peter 5:7- Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden; and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
2 Peter 3:14 - Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.
Let our minds fully rest in Jesus knowing that He sees and knows all about us. He is well aware of situations before we are and in the midst of them God wants us to have enough faith that He will work our problems out instantly. If we would just allow peace to inhibit your mind, body and soul we would truly be at peace. Let us not be so quick to jump the gun, or call someone in haste. Yes there will be times when we will feel hard pressed on every side, but we must remember God will not allow us to be crushed. Yes we will have questions or be perplexed about situations that arise in our lives, but not in despair because God will send an answer.
Yes we might even feel like family, our bosses on our jobs or so-called friends are persecuting us, but never forget we will be forshaken because no weapon formed against us shall not prosper and if we are struck down meaning lost a job, turn down from job, or our feelings are hurt we will still rise because God is for us and we won't allow those things affect us.
Let peace gird you everyday!
In closing I speak the words that Jesus have assured us in regards to peace in John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
I present a challenge to you “women on purpose” this is the month of giving, sharing and love. Many of us are busy but let us step out of the box this month. We know that the harvest is plenteous right? And the laborers are few. Let us give and spread some Christmas cheer by volunteering a couple of days at a shelter, nursing home, or giving a gift to someone less fortunate than you. Why we are spreading this cheer because “Jesus is the Reason for the Season”, so let us share Jesus with them. It's all about kingdom building and not about us, right? So why not share the reason for the season with someone this season. It’s a great way to start the new year off by spreading cheer, inspiration and encouragement to those far and near..
I’M A LIVING TESTIMONY
REVELATION 12:11 – AND THEY OVERCOME HIM(DEVIL) BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND BY THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY, AND THEY DID NOTLOVE THEIR LIVES TO THE DEATH.
No one knows my story of how God has brought me through! No one knows the pain and lonely nights I’ve endured. No one will ever know of how God made ways out of no ways for me. Only God and me! I know it was God because when I was about to give up look at God coming to rescue me again and again. Mercy and grace He has bestowed upon me causes me to rise beyond all that surrounded me and even trying to bind me. Nobody but God! When the doctors said I wouldn’t make it God that allowed ME to make it and to be healed by His strips. I have a testimony of how God brought me through! It was He who spoke to my heart and told me it would be alright. It was God who comforted me, reminded me not to worry and to rest in Him. It was God who sent someone to confirm His words for me.
It was only God through His Son Jesus Christ who paid the price for me. I stand today only because of my testimony of how good God has been to me. Only I can give God praise for all He has done for me! I am a living testimony of all that God has done for me. There was nobody who was concerned about my interests but God, so I have to give Him the praise. God has been too good to me for me NOT to praise His name. He has been my: Judge in the courtroom. My Doctor in the sickroom. My Friend when I had no friends. My Prince of Peace when I needed peace. My Financial Aid/Advisor when I needed money. My Strength when I couldn’t overcome obstacles. A Path when I needed direction and more than Hope when I felt hopeless. This is my testimony of what God can do and will do for every believer that puts their trust in Him.
When you can’t see your way through keep pressing God will see you through. Hold on because He is our hope for today and tomorrow. Even When you feel like all hope is gone call on the name of the Lord and asked for a reminder of all He has done for you, surely He will do this for you. We are still alive today because we are living testimonies. Give Him praise, come on let’s give Him praise.
Amen!
Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Matthew 5:14 – You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
1 Timothy 6:12 – Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Be blessed and know that you are a living testimony!
It was only God through His Son Jesus Christ who paid the price for me. I stand today only because of my testimony of how good God has been to me. Only I can give God praise for all He has done for me! I am a living testimony of all that God has done for me. There was nobody who was concerned about my interests but God, so I have to give Him the praise. God has been too good to me for me NOT to praise His name. He has been my: Judge in the courtroom. My Doctor in the sickroom. My Friend when I had no friends. My Prince of Peace when I needed peace. My Financial Aid/Advisor when I needed money. My Strength when I couldn’t overcome obstacles. A Path when I needed direction and more than Hope when I felt hopeless. This is my testimony of what God can do and will do for every believer that puts their trust in Him.
When you can’t see your way through keep pressing God will see you through. Hold on because He is our hope for today and tomorrow. Even When you feel like all hope is gone call on the name of the Lord and asked for a reminder of all He has done for you, surely He will do this for you. We are still alive today because we are living testimonies. Give Him praise, come on let’s give Him praise.
Amen!
Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Matthew 5:14 – You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
1 Timothy 6:12 – Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Be blessed and know that you are a living testimony!